QUALIFICATIONS

His/her mother or father became or would have, but for his/her death, become a citizen of Jamaica on August 6, 1962.

He/she was born outside Jamaica after August 5, 1962 and whose father/mother was citizen of Jamaica by birth, descent or registration by virtue of marriage to a Jamaican on the date of his/her birth.

DOCUMENTS

The application form which is obtainable at nearest Jamaican High Commission/Embassy/ Consulate or online at www.pica.gov.jm should be completed and submitted along with the following documents:

The applicant’s birth certificate;

The applicant’s father’s /mother’s birth certificate, certificate of adoption issued by the Registrar General of Jamaica or certificate of registration as a citizen of Jamaica by virtue of marriage;

Marriage certificate (where applicable);

Applicant’s valid government issued ID (valid driver’s license, passport or Jamaican Voter ID) (photographed ID is required for minor is also required if application is on behalf of a minor);

Court issued document to support legal guardianship where applicable;

2 passport sized photographs one of which should be certified by a consular officer, Justice of the Peace, Notary Public Commissioner of Oaths, Medical Doctor or lawyer. The name of the applicant along with the name, number and signature of the certifying officer should be included. Certification should not be older than 6 months.

Descendants of Jamaicans born in Dutch or French Overseas departments in the Caribbean and whose surname is acknowledged on PERMISSION of the mother in the supporting documents will be issued with a citizenship certificate bearing that surname.

In cases where there is no information for the father recorded on the Jamaican birth certificate and no stated surname is given to the child, then the document is accepted where the child automatically assumes the mother’s name.

PHOTOGRAPHS

Requirements for photographs:

2 identical photographs are required

Photographs should be taken in colour with a matte/dull finish, against a plain background

Applicants of light complexion should avoid wearing white clothing and should have photographs taken against a pastel shaded background

Applicants of dark complexion should wear coloured clothing and photographs should be taken against a white background.

Applicants with grey/white hair should have their photograph taken against a pale blue or pastel background

There must be no other person or object in the photograph

There should be no background shadows

A full frontal pose is required

There should be no creases or ink marks on the photograph

Exposed shoulders and chest must be avoided

Bright coloured clothing is not recommended

Eye glasses should not have tinted lenses

Heavy (thick) frames should be avoided

Headgear is permitted ONLY for religious purposes. Facial features including the outline of the face from the bottom of the chin to top of the forehead must me clearly shown

Photographs submitted with an application become the property of the Government of Jamaica

CHANGE OF NAME

Where a new name is introduced by any document(s) supporting the application, the applicant is required to submit a Deed Poll, Court Order or Apostille to support the use of that new name(s).

Deed polls not issued by a State Authority to evidence change of name should be treated on a case use of the new identity in a passport; cases should be referred to the Director/Operations Manager for guidance. Change of name completed by persons in the UK will be accepted only if issued by the UK Deed Poll Services and High Court.

WHO MAY SUBMIT APPLICATION

Applications may be submitted by the following:-

Attorneys -All attorneys (Should make formal representation on behalf of their clients).

Persons who hold law degrees and are not Attorneys may not submit applications on behalf of Individuals

Legal guardian of a minor.

Persons authorized in writing by the parent of a minor who is entitled to citizenship by descent.

Parents may submit applications on behalf of their adult child with his/her authorization.

Persons whose parent(s) obtained Citizenship by Doubt may submit an application for Citizenship by Descent.

METHOD OF PAYMENT

Payments will be accepted by cash, debit or credit (local Customers)

All existing payment methods will be accepted (for overseas Customers).

Personal cheques from customers are not accepted.

FEE PAYMENT

Fee Schedule:

CURRENTLY OFFERING: EXPEDITED SERVICE CITIZENSHIP BY DESCENT (LOCAL AND LONDON APPLICANTS ONLY)

Processing Time (Regular Service)

Regular Fee (Non- refundable)

Expedited Service Processing Time

Expedited Fee

Total Cost

Local Application for Citizenship by Descent

Compliant applications will be processed within 25 Working Days

J$10,000.00

Compliant applications will be processed within 15 Working Days

J$5000.00

J$15,000.00

Overseas Application for Citizenship by Descent

Compliant applications will be processed within 25 Working Days

US$100.00, CAD$110.00

GBP£60.00, EUR€75.00

Compliant applications will be processed within 20 Working Days

US$100.00, CAD$110.00

GBP£60.00, EUR€75.00

US$200.00,
CAD$220.00

GBP£120.00,
EUR€150.00

NB Overseas Customers. Fee does not include cost of mailing certificate from Mission to Customer.

The processing fee is waived for applicants applying for Citizenship by Descent who previously held a Jamaican passport.

Application for expedited service must be submitted to the Jamaica High commission/Embassy /Consulate2 to 3 working days before the scheduled date of dispatch of the application to PICA.

NB: For any additional information or clarification please contact us at PICA or the nearest Jamaican High Commission/Embassy/Consulate.

PICA reserves the right to request additional and or updated information during the processing of the application.